Even though nominations are open from January 2, the municipal election really gets underway in September. With both the unexpected/expected Provincial Election and the summer months now behind us, now’s the time for Ontarians to start considering who they want to run their local governments for the next four years.

Of course a lot of attention this year will be on Toronto, where the sideshow with Rob Ford will colour the coverage no matter where you live whether it’s Guelph, Brampton, or Seattle. But there are a number of serious issues for voters to consider across Ontario including transit, infrastructure, capital projects, and attracting business interests and revenues to town. All things, arguably, more important than whether or not Ford smoked crack and hangs out with unsavory characters.

In Guelph, specific issues swirl around the administration of the three-term mayoralty of Karen Farbridge, who hopes to convince the electorate that her vision for the Royal City is still solid in the face of scandals involving the court-ruling against the city for Urbacon and the recent transit lock-out. Councillor Cam Guthrie, meanwhile, has tremendous grassroots support and a fresh message about “A Better Guelph” while carrying none of the Farbridge baggage.

Through Guelph Politico, I’ll be doing intensive coverage of the election race, and officially kicked off campaign coverage today with the first Guelph Politicast interview with mayoral candidate John Legere. There will be a new podcast interview with every person running for Mayor of Guelph through the course of the campaign.

For all election news, and for candidate questionnaires from the candidates running for city council, click here.